Golf tee with shape memory metal and method to produce the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a golf tee consists of two sections and a shape memory metal that connects the said two sections for a golf tee that lessens impact and improves performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a golf tee having a flexible midsection made of shape memory metal. The ability for this special class of metal to return to its original shape after being bent out of shape makes it possible for it to be successfully used in many applications. In this case, when an impact is applied to the golf tee, the force is deflected away from the tee. The golf tee returns to its original position after the impact.

2. Description of the Related Art

Golf tee is an important accessory of a golf game. Golf tee positions the golf ball in an elevated position for the golf club to hit. When the golf club hits the tee, the tee is often lost or broken. Many patents were disclosed to overcome these shortcomings. U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,470 disclosed a spring loaded golf tee. U.S. Pat. No. 2,839,304 disclosed a deflectable tee. U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,313 disclosed a vented tee. U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,170 disclosed a flexible tee with a sliding tee top. U.S. Pat. No. 2,531,470 disclosed a tee with a flexible body. This invention improves deflection characteristic of the prior patents by utilizing a shape memory metal as a mean to relieve impact energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished to provide a golf tee to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks.

It is one object of this invention to provide a golf tee that is flexible to deflect impact energy and be able to return to its original shape.

It is another object of this invention to provide a golf tee having a pre programmed shape.

It is another object of this invention to provide a golf tee that is not easily lost or break.

It is another object of this invention to provide a method for its construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be explained by the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the golf tee assembly consists of a lower, an upper section, a connection mean and a protective sleeve.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the connection mean.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the protective sleeve for the connection mean.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the golf tee assembly consists of a lower, an upper section, a connection mean.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of this invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a main tee body has two sections: the lower section 1 and an upper section 2. A recess 5 is shown on top tee body 2 for positioning a golf ball. Both tee bodies: 1 and 2 is connected by a connection mean 3. The said connection mean is covered with a resilient sleeve 4. Both tee bodies 1 and 2 can be made of polymeric material such as polycarbonate, nylon, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or other suitable resilient polymer by injection molding. During injection molding, the connection mean 3 is placed in the mold such that both the tee bodies can be molded around the connection mean to encapsulate the said connection mean within tee bodies 1 and 2. Furthermore, the tee bodies 1 and 2 can be made using different material. For instance, the top tee body 2 can be made of a soft material, while the lower body 1 can be made of a harder material for better ground penetration.

FIG. 2 shows the connection mean 3 and retaining feature 6 on both end of the said connection mean. This said connection mean is made of a shape memory metal such as nickel titanium. The retaining feature can be combination of circular grove or spiral grove or other suitable form. The shape the connection mean can be set to any shape by a memory setting process. Once the shape memory is set, the said connection mean will retain its preset shape after being deflected.

FIG. 3 shows the sleeve body 4. The sleeve is made of a resilient material to be place over the connection mean to protect the golf club from hitting the connection mean.

FIG. 4 shows a main tee body having two sections: the lower section 1 and an upper section 2. A recess 5 is shown on top tee body 2 for positioning a golf ball. Both tee bodies: 1 and 2 is connected by a connection mean 3. The tee bodies 1 and 2 can be made using different material. For instance, the top tee body 2 can be made of a soft material, while the lower body 1 can be made of a harder material for better ground penetration. During injection molding, the connection mean 3 is placed in the mold such that both the tee bodies can be molded around the connection mean to encapsulate the connection mean 3 within tee bodies 1 and 2. 

1. A multi-body golf tee comprising: a cylindrical shape lower body with a pointed end for ground penetration, the lower body is connected to a one end of the connection mean through a retaining feature, the second end of the connection mean is connected to the upper body through a retaining feature, wherein the connection mean is imbedded within the upper and the lower tee body by injection molding the tee bodies around the connection mean; a soft and resilient sleeve covers the connection mean and prevents a golf club from being damaged.
 2. A multi-body golf tee comprising: a cylindrical shape lower body with a pointed end for ground penetration, the lower body is connected to a one end of the connection mean through a retaining feature, the second end of the connection mean is connected to the upper body through a retaining feature, wherein the connection mean is imbedded within the upper and lower tee body by injection molding the tee bodies around the connection mean; the upper body is made from a soft and resilient material which allow it to flex upon impact.
 3. The connection mean in claim 1 is made of shape memory metal.
 4. The connection mean in claim 2 is made of shape memory metal.
 5. The connection mean in claim 1 is made of shape memory metal, wherein its shape can be set to any suitable shape.
 6. The connection mean in claim 2 is made of shape memory metal, wherein its shape can be set to any suitable shape. 